A Publication of Al Iman Schools

The Child
Issue Four | September 2008 | Ramadhan 1429

Muslim

Learn . Teach . Educate

Eid Mubarak!
 Note from the editors

Assalamuallaikum dear Brothers and Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet,
sisters, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said " The
blessed month has come to you. Allah has
The last few blessed days of Ramadhan are made fasting during it obligatory upon you.
here and soon we will see the end of this During it the gates to Paradise are opened
holy month. Have our efforts at fulfilling and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the
one of the pillars of Islam and attaining devils are chained. There is a night [during
Allah's pleasure been a successful one? this month] which is better than a thousand
May Allah accept our deeds and du'as this months. Whoever is deprived of its good is
past month and grant us peace and guide us really deprived [of something great].
to the path to paradise! [Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi]

As we approach the most beautiful night of One who misses this blessed night then he
the year…. the night when the light, that has missed much good for no one misses it
would illuminate mankind to the end of life, except one from whom it is withheld.
started, the night when every matter of Therefore it is recommended that the
ordainment is decreed, …we Muslims have Muslim who is eager to be obedient to
a wonderful and rewarding opportunity to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this
stand in prayer, praise our Creator for the night out of Eemaan and hoping for the
blessing bestowed upon us, and ask to be great reward, since if he does this, Allaah
forgiven for all our sins, and accept our will forgive his previous sins.
pleas for a life filled with peace, and to be
chosen by HIM for rightful guidance! We make a humble request to our readers to
make Du'a for the development of THE
Allah says in what can be translated as : MUSLIM CHILD and for the development of
our Ummah by way of learning, teaching
"Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down and educating . Let us make the Quran our
in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And ultimate aim to understand the will of our
what will make you know what the Night of Creator!
Decree is? The Night of Decree is better
than a thousand months. Therein descend Eid Greetings from The Muslim Child !
the angels and the Rooh (ie. Jibreel
[Gabriel]) by Allaah's Permission with all
Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of Azim Abdul Majeed & Rukshana Hassen Azim
dawn." [97:1-5]

Invitation to write to us The Muslim Child

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2 The Muslim Child

 4 Quality Time with DAD
6 C
10 My First Umrah
o
16 Self Control and Firm Faith
n
17 Adab
t
18 The Joy of Eid Day The Quran
...can do it for you e
12 R amadan has a special relationship
with the Quran, of course, but how
many of us actually take the time
n
t
to recite, read and understand the words
of Allah? In truth it takes approximately 1
hour per day of recitation to complete the

s
whole Quran within the Holy month of
FRUITS OF Ramadan. And approximately another 90
mins or more to read and ponder upon the
PARADISE meanings of the Arabic text.

To be a Subscriber of The Muslim Child

Call: +94 716 111 999 or e-mail: themuslimchild@alimaschools.org

The Muslim Child 3

 Quality time Ibrahim Bowers

with DAD United Kingdom

This article presents the current to spend time with his father, but always
relationship between a father and a child in finds him too busy. When the boy grows up
this fast paced and time constraint society and the father gets older, the father always
and provides many practical advises on wants to spend time with his son, but his
how to improve this relationship to benefit son always has other things to do.
the whole family.
Quality time spent between a father and his
It has been estimated that working fathers children is essential for both the parent and
spend about 3 minutes a day with their the children. The children need to know
children. Fathers who abandon their that their father loves and cares for them,
families, fathers who rarely see their and the father needs to be careful that he
children because of divorce, and fathers does not lose his relationship with his
who are busy and have very little or nothing children by neglect.
to do with the raising of their children are
common. Tips to Improve Father-Child Relationship

Dad gets up There are several ways a father can spend

early, takes quality time with his children and develop a
the long drive relationship with them. Even if he is
to work, gets extremely busy, he can probably free up
off late, takes enough time to do some of these things.
the long drive
home, and Show your children in simple ways that you
gets home love them. Some fathers try to appeal to
very tired. He their children by showering them with gifts
just wants to rather than giving of themselves. This may
have dinner, cause more harm than good. The simple
relax a little, example of Prophet Muhammad is much
and go to bed better, may Allah's peace and blessings be
so that he can upon him. When his daughter Fatima (May
repeat the Allah be pleased with her) would come to
same routine him, the Prophet used to stand up, kiss her,
the next day. take her hand, and give her his seat. Later
Every now in life, this personal type of affection will be
and then, he much more memorable to children than
tells himself receiving a gift that anyone could have
that he will given them.
spend more
time with his children tomorrow. Tell or read your children stories on some
nights before bed. There are lots of
But Muslims aren't like that, you say. excellent Islamic stories and books
Perhaps. How much time do you spend with available that you can use, or you can make
your children in the day? Not just in the up your own. At the same time, you will be
same house, but together - really together. helping your children develop Islamic
character. A twist on this idea is to ask your
A popular American song by Harry Chapin children to make up stories to tell you.
tells the sad story of a boy who always tries

4 The Muslim Child

Play with your children. You could play ball, Be available for your children, and let them
color pictures, build toy houses from know that you are there for anything they
blocks, or do whatever they like. want to discuss. If you are not available to
talk to your children, somebody else
Let your children help you with simple probably will be, and it may be the wrong
tasks. Allow them to help you carry in the kind of person. A good way of getting to
groceries, make dinner, or mow the yard. know your children better as individuals is
Children often get great joy from doing to take them out one at a time for eating,
things that adults consider work. conversation, or some other event.

Take the family to for a picnic. Spend time Practice talking with your child, not at
with your children playing Frisbee, passing him/her. Since the father often takes the
a ball, or pushing them in the swings. Your main responsibility for disciplining the
children will cherish this special time children, it is very easy for fathers to merely
together as a family. become order-givers rather than parents
and companions of their children. Spend
Help your children with their homework. some time listening, rather than talking.
Show them that you are truly interested in
their education and life by asking them We only have one chance to be with our kids
what they did in school and looking at their before they grow up. If we want them to
books, projects, and assignments with love us and respect us when we are old, we
them. have to build those relationships while they
are young.
Have regular meals as a family. It is very
important that the family get together and Fathers usually don't have the time to
have meals, so they may talk about each devote to their children that mothers do.
others days and issues. But if we make the little time we have with
our children quality time, we still might be
Use driving time with your children. Don't able to build enduring relationships with
just turn on the news and forget your
children when they are in the car with you.
Talk or joke with them, or sing Islamic
songs together.

Give your small children a bath sometimes.

Usually, mothers bathe the children, but
bath time is an excellent opportunity for
fathers to be with their kids. Let them
splash around and play a little more than
mom does.

Teach your children to make wudu and pray

with you. If at home, praying together as a
family Jamat is better than praying alone.
Children love to call azan. Make the
youngest one the salat manager at home,
taking care of prayer rugs, timing, and
inviting everyone to salat.

Take your children to the masjid with you.

This is an excellent way for you to build a
relationship with them as both a father and
a Muslim.

The Muslim Child 5

 The Quran
can do it
for you
Rukshana Hassen

R amadan has a special relationship

with the Quran, of course, but how
many of us actually take the time to
recite, read and understand the words of
Allah? In truth it takes approximately 1
hour per day of recitation to complete the
whole Quran within the Holy month of
Ramadan. And approximately another 90 It is recommended for every Believing man
mins or more to read and ponder upon the and woman to recite the Book of Allah
meanings of the Arabic text. So in reality an often, with due contemplation and
individual will have to allocate around 3 understanding. This may be done by using
hours per day to fulfill this divine a copy of the Quran or from one's memory.
obligation. Does this make sense to many of Allah - the Most High - said: "This is a Book
us who have to toil around with the 'worldly which We have sent down to you, full of
obligations'? Or do we consider this blessings, that you may ponder over its
challenge worth striving for, for the utmost Verses, and that men of understanding may
pleasure of Allah? remember." (38:29).

Anyone who reads the Qur'an is likely to be And: "Indeed those who recite the Book of
struck by the unique nature of its Allaah and offer the Prayer perfectly and
construction, its unusual and constantly spend in charity out of what We have
shifting rhythms and the sudden provided for them - secretly and openly -
transmutations and displacements in its hope for a sure trade-gain that will never
subject matter. At first this ever changing perish. That He may pay the their wages in
literary terrain seems an obstacle to full and give them even more out of His
understanding, but the more time one Grace. Indeed, He is Oft-Forgiving, ready to
spends with this book, the more organic, appreciate good deeds."( 35:29-30)
the more natural the flow of its words feel.
It is almost like flying over an ever- "The month of Ramadan is the one in which
changing landscape - rolling valleys the Quran was sent down, a guidance for
punctuated by jagged rocks, forests and mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the
plains giving way to up thrust mountains, Criterion; so whoever amongst you
high plateaus broken by deep lakes, deserts witnesses this month, let him fast it."
sprinkled with oasis' and cleft by canyons. (2:185)
Despite the variety of the forms, despite
the startling contrast of adjacent features, a "Fasting and the Quran will intercede for
complex organic beauty underlies and the slave on the Day of Resurrection.
unites all the various elements. Fasting will say: 'O My Lord! I prevented
him from food and desires, so accept my

6 The Muslim Child

 camels, and three (verses) are
better for him than three (she-
camels), and four (verses) are
better for him than four (she-
camels). And the number (of
verses read in total) are better
than the same number of
camels. [Muslim] There is no
envy (acceptable) except in two
(cases): a person whom Allah
has given the Quran and recites
it throughout the night and
throughout the day. And a
person whom Allah has given
wealth, that he gives out
throughout the night and
intercession for him.' And the Quran will throughout the day." [Al-Bukhari and
say: 'I prevented him from sleep during the Muslim] "Whoever reads a letter from the
night, so accept my intercession for him.' Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good
He (PBUH) said: 'And they will (be allowed deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the
to) intercede.' [Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al- hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say
Hakim, Sahih] that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a
letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter,
Ibn'Abbas(Ra) narrates,"That the and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-
Messenger of Allah(SAW) was the most Darimi] Notice the young brothers that
generous person, and he would be at his memorized the Quran in our community,
most generous in Ramadan because Jibreel they are already pushed to the front of the
would come to him every night and he congregation by virtue of their
would rehearse the Quran with him." accomplishment. They, at this early start,
(Bukhari) are forced to contribute to the community
and live a life of significance. A life that
This Ahadeeth contains recommendation brings joy in seeking and sharing
of the following: Studying the Quran in knowledge that they have received through
Ramadhaan Coming together for this Allah's divine words .That’s what we all
purpose Checking (one's memor y want. The Quran can do it for you.
/knowledge of) the Quran with someone
who has preserved it better, increasing There is one absolute naseeha that will
recitation of the Quran in Ramadan make or break the persons drive to
appreciating that the night time is the best memorize the Quran: One must desist from
time to recite, when other preoccupations sin! Ibn Masood said, “I feel that indeed
decrease and it is easier to concentrate, as someone will forget knowledge they had
in (73:6). Further, Fatimah(Ra) narrated acquired because of sins they commit.”
from her father(PBUH), who told her that
Jibreel would rehearse the Quran with him When Abu Haneefah, rahimahullah, was
(in Ramadan) once every year, and he did so confronted with a Fiqh Mashalah that he
twice in the year of his death. (Bukhari was unable to conclude, he would get up
6/485) and pray two raka’at in tawbah to Allah.
These are people who truly knew the prize
"The best of you is he who learns the Quran to be won. Allah ta’ala teaches us in the
and teaches it." [al-Bukhari] "Will not any of Quran: [Be conscious of Allah and Allah will
you go to the masjid and learn or read two teach you.] This knowledge is from Allah
verses from the Book of Allah `azza wa jall? ta’ala, a gift. It makes no sense that
(For) that is better for him than two she- someone spends their nights disobeying

The Muslim Child 7

 the gift-giver while awaiting His gifts in the Quran and your voice
morning?. We should strive to read the Quran in a nice
sounding voice. ?One who was given a
One of the interesting excuses is “I have to pleasant voice should strive as much as
completely understand the Quran before I they are able. This should never resemble
memorize it. I have to know Arabic, and the style of music and songs. Al-Baraa' Ibn
Fiqh and Hadith before I start from the 'Aazib narrated that the Prophet said:
source.? Do not look at what a scholar is "Beautify the Quran with your voices (i.e. by
currently reading or studying. Look at what reciting it in a pleasant nice voice)." (Abu
he did in the beginning. Every single Daawood) The preferred reading is the
scholar started with Quran, nothing else. If quiet reading, where one hears himself
you want to accumulate massive without disturbing others. 'Uqbah ibn
knowledge of this Deen, you must begin 'Aamir Al-Juhani narrated that the Prophet
with memorization of the Quran. The said: "He who raises his voice with the
children in the Hifdh school are well on Quran is like one who displays his charity
their way to accomplishing massive and he who lowers his voice with the Quran
accumulation of knowledge of this deen by is like he who gives charity privately." (Abu
virtue of their Hifdh. Daawood)

Let us look at two views by two very Say: "Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahman:
different people and how they look at the by whatever name ye call upon Him (it is
challenges of life: well): for to Him belong the Most Beautiful
Names. Neither speak thy Prayer aloud, nor
Person 1: ?Oh man, that?s a killer. I can?t speak it in a low tone, but seek a middle
do that. This time I just give up. Looks like course between." (17:110)
I?m finally whipped. I?ll never amount to
anything. I?m tired.? Except of course that he
sho uld be able to
Person 2: ?Awesome, that was the kind of hear himself. ?It
challenge I?ve been waiting for. is also without
Yaa Rabb, I am going to harm to raise
make you proud of one's voice
me. I?m going to with the
give it my best. I?m Q u r a n
going to pump 110% sometime
of my energy into s for a
ever y part of this particul
challenge!? a r
purpo
Guess which one will s e
succeed in their such as
memorization of the Quran. to perfect
That’s right, the second one. pronunciation, aid in
Why? Because the second one memorization or to fight
has the right attitude. drowsiness. ?Also included in this is
teaching and learning and a condition for
The one who was devoted to the Q u r a n all of this is that it is not disturbing others
will be told on the Day of Resurrection: or interrupting their prayer
`Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to
recite when you were in the world. Your Do not Abandon the Quran
rank will be at the last Ayah you recite.? Allaah the Most High says: "And the
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]. Messenger said O My Lord my people have
abandoned - acting or listening - to the

8 The Muslim Child

Qur'aan." [al-Furqaan: 30] So Allaah His punishment. On completing his
informs us about His Messenger and recitation, he should praise Allah Ta'âlâ,
Prophet Muhammad, that he said: {My send salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu
Lord my people have abandoned - acting or 'alayhi wa sallam, ask for forgiveness, ask
listening - to the Qur'aan.} and that is for any of his other needs, and then send
because the idol-worshippers did not pay salutations to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi
attention nor listen to the Qur'aan, as wa sallam at the end.
Allaah says: {The ones who disbelieved
said do not listen to this Qur'aan but make The best reciter of the Quran is that person
noise so that you may overcome it.} Thus whom when he is heard, you get the
when the Qur'aan was being read to them impression that he is fearing Allah Ta'âlâ.
they would make noise and futile speech so This means, that he reads with attention
that they would not hear the Qur'aan. and concentration similar to that of a
However, this is from the ways of frightened person speaking in the presence
abandoning the Qur'aan. Likewise not of a king or ruler, ever on-guard that he
having faith and trust in it is also from the does not say or do anything out of
ways of abandoning the Qur'aan. Not place.(Maulana Ashraff Ali Thanvi)
pondering over it, nor trying to understand
it, not acting by it, not obeying its orders For all of us who haven?t yet made that
and refraining from what it forbids, turning effort to purify ourselves by reciting
to something other than it - whether Allah?s divine words this Ramadan and the
poetry, opinions or music, amusement, or many months to follow, it is time to make a
other forms of speech and taking a path move for the benefit of Allah?s rewards and
that is derived from other than the Qur'aan guidance. No matter the age, young or old,
are all from the ways of abandoning the reciting, studying and contemplating
Qur'aan. We ask Allaah - the Beneficent Allah?s direct words will bring upon an
Provider, the One who has Power to do what amazing transformation in our lives
He wills - to distance us from that which He Inshalah
dislikes and to use us in that which He is
pleased with, from memorising, "Verily Allah raises nations by this book (the
understanding the Qur'aan and Qur'an) and puts down (i.e. destroys) others
establishing that which it necessitates - by it." [Muslim]
throughout the day and night - in a manner
that He loves and likes for indeed He is the The Quran can do it for you.
Most Beneficent, and Bestower

The Best Way

The best way of reciting
the Quran is for the person
to make wudu', sit in the
direction of the qiblah with
humility, and begin his
recitation thinking that he
is conversing with Allah
Ta'âlâ. If he understands
the meaning of the words,
he should ponder over the
meanings. Wherever the
words of mercy are
mentioned, he should ask
f o r A l l a h ' s m e r c y.
Wherever His punishment
is mentioned, he should
ask for refuge in Allah from

The Muslim Child 9

 My First UMRAH
Jazmiya Jhan

The journey to the sacred house, the place first six circuits I recited the duas in Arabic.
in which you can feel the presence of God Realizing my foolishness of praying without
directly and immediately, is a tradition the knowledge of what I'm praying for, I
established by Prophet Muhammad. For read the English translation of the dua
this purpose I, along with my family during the seventh circuit. The effect it had
prepared and packed all the necessary on me was immense. I was able to mean
goods, clothes and prayer items and flew to and give life to every word I said.
medina. I neglected the spiritual
preparation needed as I only referred to the
recitals needed during the umrah, which I
did at the last moment, during the flight.

The outer and the inner beauty of Masjidun

Nabavi, the mosque of the prophet
enthralled me. The prevailing holiness
inside the mosque purified and calmed my
mind. With the guidance of my mother I
performed every prayer and ritual with
sacredness but in a mechanical and hurried
form. The cause was my negligence. I was
not aware of the significance of the
Masjidun Nabavi. I've prayed without the
knowledge that one prayer at the prophet's
mosque is better than thousand prayers at I performed the next ritual Saai, the seven
any other place (except at the sacred rounds of running between the two
mosque). Nor was I aware of the love mountains As-safa and Marwa, reciting the
prophet Muhammad (sal) had for Medina or duas in Arabic. I knew the purpose of this
that it is a significant, blessed and secured tradition is to emulate the movements of
city even Ad-dajjal will not be able to enter. Hajarah (as), the wife of Ibrahim, as she
sought water for son Ismail (as).
After the stay in medina we traveled to the
holy city to perform the umrah. The umrah After the completion of the umrah we
begins with wearing the Ihram, a white returned home. Upon returning, for almost
dress to signify unity and simplicity, which a year I considered my umrah as a success. I
we did in Medina as it is prohibited to wear thought I've achieved the desired purpose.
it inside the Mecca city border. After But I was wrong. After coming across an
entering the sacred mosque and as soon as article on the significance of Hajj and
the Kaba came in to view, I felt the presence Umrah I realized I haven't understood the
of Allah immediately and directly as if I was true motive of umrah. Knowing that the
standing in front of the Almighty God. The Kaba is the centre of Muslims and the
Kaba sits at the centre of the mosque and it throne of Allah on earth, the impression I
is slightly rectangular in structure. The had on the rituals was of a mere symbolic
Kaba is covered in Kiswa, a black cloth with value.
verses of the Quaran woven in gold. I joined
the vast crowd, who were circling around We circumambulate the Kaba from the
the Kaba and performed the tawaf, the right towards the left as in the opposite
circumambulation of the Kaba. During the direction of the earth's movement. This

10 The Muslim Child

means we circulate against the flow of During the tawaf we repeatedly ask for
time. The reversal of time in the tawaf Allah's forgiveness, guidance and a place in
symbolizes undoing the fall of man. The fall heaven by reciting duas. Even the ritual
of man is the removal of Adam (as) from the saai is not only a reminder of the incident
state of perfection. We circulate the Kaba in which happened to Hajara (as).The purpose
an attempt to reconstruct that perfection. of bringing an older tradition in to Islamic
As human beings the purpose of tawaf is to practice by Prophet Muhammad was to
amend our past mistakes, thus enabling reassert the primordial belief in one God. It
ourselves to lead a pious life. is to fully comprehend that Islam is nothing
new. It is the renewal of what always was
the belief in one God Allah.

Islam is a religion which emphasizes more

on the inner purity of a believer. The real
Muslim is the person who'll make use of all
the external opportunities to address the
inside, the soul. But I've failed in doing so.
I've only achieved the worldly gain of
umrah as I was ignorant of the purpose of
my own acts. I regret being unsuccessful at
using my umrah to achieve a more divine
result. I pray and ask Allah to grant me the
knowledge, guidance and strength to
correct my mistakes. So I could purify my
soul and accomplish what I couldn't during
my first umrah.

The Muslim Child 11

 Fruits of the Paradise

Dates
With the advent of Ramadan, date sales all pregnant women be given foods containing
over the world increase, as we Muslims fruit sugar on the day they give birth. The
traditionally break the fast with dates and aim behind this is to energise and revitalise
water. This is a tradition that goes back to the mother's weakened body and at the
the Prophet (saw). Many hadiths report that same time to stimulate the milk hormones
the Prophet encouraged us to eat dates for a and increase the levels of mother's milk
variety of reasons. essential to the new-born baby.

In the Qur'an date fruit is honoured as one In addition, loss of blood during birth leads
of the blessings of Paradise, “In them will to a fall in body sugar levels. Dates are
be fruits, and dates and pomegranates” important from the point of view of
(55:68). When this fruit is examined, it can enabling sugar to enter the body and
be seen to have a great many important prevent blood pressure from dropping.
features. One of the oldest known species of Their high calorific value strengthens
plant, the date is today a food of preference people weakened by illness or suffering
not only for its delicious taste but also for its from extreme fatigue.
nutritious properties. New benefits
imparted by the date are being discovered These facts reveal the wisdom in the way
every day and has come to be used as a that Allah recommended Maryam to eat
medicine as well as a food. These features dates, designed to energise and invigorate
of the date are noted in Surah Maryam: the woman and ensure the emergence of
“And the pains of childbirth drove her to the milk, the only food for a baby. Date contains
trunk of a palm-tree: she cried (in her more than 11 minerals and seven vitamins
anguish): "Ah! would that I had died before of vital importance to maintain the body
this! Would that I had been a thing healthy and energetic. Modern-day
forgotten and out of sight!" But (a voice) scientists state that human beings can
cried to her from beneath the (palm-free): actually live for years on nothing more than
"Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a dates and water. V. H. W. Dowson, a
rivulet beneath thee; "And shake towards recognised expert in this field, says that one
thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: it will let grain of date and a glass of milk are enough
fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. "So eat and to meet all of a person's daily nutritional
drink and cool (thine) eye. And if thou dost requirements. The desert people who, for
see any man say `I have vowed a fast to thousands of years, ate dates with goat or
(Allah) Most Gracious, and this day will I camel milk as a complete sustenance.
enter into no talk with any human being."
(19:23-26) The substance oxytocin, which is present in
the date, is used in modern medicine to
There is considerable wisdom in the way facilitate birth. In fact, oxytocin means
that Allah recommends Maryam (AS) to eat "rapid birth." It is also known to increase
this fruit. The date is an excellent choice of levels of mother's milk after birth.
food for the pregnant women and for those
who have just given birth. This is a widely Oxytocin is actually a hormone released by
accepted scientific fact. Maryam (AS) was the pituitary gland which stimulates
inspired to understand this point, in order contractions of the womb during childbirth.
to make her own labour easier. The date has All the pre-birth preparations in the body
one of the highest sugar levels, 60-80%, of take place thanks to this hormone. The
all fruits. Doctors recommend that effects of the hormone can be seen in the

12 The Muslim Child

muscles that form the mother's womb and potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron,
in cells in the muscular structure that sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine, as well
enables the secretion of mother's milk. The as vitamins A, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B3
effective contraction of the womb is and B6. Some of the benefits of the
essential if birth is to take place. Oxytocin vitamins and minerals in dates to the
enables the muscles that comprise the normal human body and especially during
womb to contract in a very powerful pregnancy can be summarised as follows:
manner. Moreover, oxytocin also initiates
the secretion of mother's milk. This feature uThe nutritional value of dates stems from
of the date, and Allah commanding Mariam the appropriate mineral balance within
(AS) to eat it is an important evidence that them. The date also contains folic acid, a B
the Qur'an is the revelation of Allah. The vitamin of great importance to pregnant
medical identification of the benefits of the women. Folic acid (B9) is a vitamin which
date only became possible in recent times. serves important functions in the
Yet it was set out fourteen centuries ago in construction of new blood cells and of
the Qur'an that Allah revealed to amino acids, the body's building blocks,
Maryam(AS) that she should eat dates. and in cell renewal. The need for folic acid
thus rises
Dates also contain significantly
a form of sugar d u r i n g
that gives the body pregnancy and
h i g h l e v els of t h e d a i l y
mobility and heat requirement
energy and which doubles. When
can be easily folic acid levels
broken down in are insufficient,
t h e b o d y . red blood cells
Furthermore, this that are larger
sugar is not than normal but
glucose, which with lower
rapidly raises the functionality
level of blood sugar but the fruit sugar emerge, along with the symptoms of
fructose. A rapid rise in blood sugar levels anaemia, appear. Folic acid plays a
in diabetics in particular has a damaging particularly important role in cell division
effect on a great many organs and systems, and in the formation of the genetic
especially the eyes, kidneys, heart and structure of the cell and is the only
circulatory system and nervous system. substance daily requirements of which
High blood sugar is one of the main causes double during pregnancy. The date is
of disorders as serious as loss of sight, heart exceedingly rich in folic acid.
attacks and kidney insufficiency. uOn the other hand, the long-term nausea
and physical reactions that appear during
Dates are reported to be useful in the pregnancy do so because of a lack of
treatment of respiratory disorders, heart potassium. Levels therefore need to be
conditions, cancer (due to its high reinforced. In the same way that the large
magnesium and calcium content), anemia, quantities of potassium in dates are of
allergies, and constipation. Bedouin Arabs, great importance in this regard, they are
who eat them on a regular basis, show an also important in regulating the water
extremely low incidence rate of cancer and balance in the body. Moreover, by helping
heart disease. oxygen to reach the brain potassium
enables one to think clearly. In addition, it
Dates contain a great many vitamins and provides the appropriate alkaloidal
minerals. They are very rich in fibre, fat and features for body fluids and stimulates the
proteins. They also contain sodium, kidneys to expel toxic bodily wastes. It

The Muslim Child 13

 helps bring down high blood pressure and
the formation of healthy skin.
uThe iron contained in dates controls the
synthesis of haemoglobin in the red blood
cells and ensures an appropriate level of
red cells in the blood. This is of vital
importance in preventing anaemia during
pregnancy and the development of the
baby. Red blood cells play a role in keeping
cells alive by carrying oxygen and carbon
dioxide in the blood. Due to dates' high
iron levels, a human being can meet his or
her iron requirements by eating just 15
dates a day and will thus be protected
from disorders arising from iron
deficiency.
uThe calcium and phosphate in dates are
important elements for skeletal growth
and balancing the body's bone structure.
The high levels of phosphorus and calcium
in dates protect the body against bone
weakness and help reduce such disorders.
uScientists also emphasise the way in
which dates reduce stress and tension.
Research by Berkeley University experts
has revealed that dates contain high levels
of vitamin B6, which strengthens the
nerves, and magnesium, which is very
important for the kidneys. A person can the date, which is a fresh fruit, especially at
meet his magnesium requirement by such a time.
eating just 2-3 grains of date a day.
uThe vitamin B1 in dates facilitates the All these facts about dates reveal Allah's
health of the nervous system, assists the infinite knowledge and compassion for
transformation of the carbohydrates in the human beings. As we have seen, the
body into energy and the use of protein and benefits of the date, especially during
fats to meet the body's needs. Vitamin B2 pregnancy and only recently established by
assists in the burning of protein, modern medical science, were indicated in
carbohydrates and fats for the provision of the Qur'an many years ago.
bodily energy and cell renewal.
uThe body's vitamin A requirement rises From the Hadith:
during pregnancy. Thanks to the vitamin A Aisha (RA) said: the prophet (PBUH) said:
it contains, the date improves vision and “Indeed in dates there is a cure”. Reported
bodily resistance and strengthens the teeth by Muslim (14/3) and Ahmad (6/152)
and bones. Dates are also especially rich in The Prophet (PBUH) said: “ Whoever finds
beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps dates should break his fast with them and
prevent cancer by controlling molecules the one who does not should break his fast
that attack the cells. with water because it is pure”

In addition, unlike dates, other fruits are Children's Diseases: According to Dr.
generally lacking in protein. Thanks to this Aman, a date tied to the wrist of the baby
feature, dates enable the body to protect and allowed to be sucked by him during
itself against illness and infection, to renew teething time hardens the gums and
cells and ensure fluid balance. Meat is also prevents other complaints like fretfulness
a useful foodstuff but maybe not as much as and diarrhoea. A teaspoonful of paste of the

14 The Muslim Child

 date prepared with honey is an effective bricks have been found to contain
medicine for diarrhoea and dysentery instructions for growing date palms. The
during teething. It should be given three ancient monuments of Egypt have been
times a day. found to contain carved figures of date
palms. There are numerous references to
The fruit, because of its tannin content , is the palm and its fruit in the Bible, testifying
used medicinally as a detersive and to its manifold virtues Prophet Mohammed
astringent in intestinal troubles. In the believed that the first date palm was made
form of an infusion, decoctin, syrup or from the tempered dust which remained
paste, is administered as a treatment for after the formation of Adam. The original
sore throat, colds, bronchial catarrh. It is home of date is believed to be in the Persian
taken to relieve fever, cystitis, gonorrhea, Gulf area or in Mesopotamia. It is now
edema, liver and abdominal troubles. A classed as one of the standard crops of
gum that exudes from the tree trunk is world agriculture and is widely grown in
employed in India for treating diarrhea and Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Spain, Italy,
genito-urinary ailments. It is diuretic and China and U.S.A.
demulcent. The root of the plant is used
against toothache. Food Value: The date is a food of high
nutritional value. It provides natural sugar
in the form of glucose and fructose. This
Origin and Distribution: The date is held in sugar is ready for immediate absorption
high esteem from ancient times and is one and is, therefore, infinitely superior to cane
of the earliest fruits cultivated by man. In sugar. It is usually taken raw or with milk,
Mesopotamia, more than 5,000 years old which makes it highly nutritious in most
respects. Taking it with curdled milk is also
common. In Sahara, rich people take it with
butter by removing the seed and filling the
Ajwa cavity with butter. It is a scientific way of
dates: taking fat. It is also taken in several cooked
Considered forms. The seeds of the fruit, roasted and
to be
Prophet’s
ground into powder makes a beverage like
favourite coffee, called 'date coffee'. The date palm
yields a sweet juice of high food value. It
can be taken fresh with great advantage or
make into a tasty country sugar.

Teach your child to say: Du’a Seeking Forgiveness

ِ‫ﻨﻰ‬‫ ﻋ‬‫ﻒ‬‫ ﻓﹶﺎﻋ‬‫ﻔﹾﻮ‬‫ ﺍﻟﻌ‬‫ﺤِﺐ‬‫ ﺗ‬‫ﻔﹸﻮ‬‫ ﻋ‬‫ﻚ‬‫ ﺇﻧ‬‫ﻢ‬‫ﻨﺍﹶﻟﹼﻠﻬ‬‫ِﻰ‬
O Allah, verily You are Most Forgiving, You
like to forgive, therefore do forgive my sins.
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa fu anni

The Muslim Child 15

 TEEN TALK
Self Control and Firm Faith
Fathimah Hanan Luthfy

Looking out of the window,I accidently without realizing ,she had infected herself
glanced at our school janitor leaning on the with the virus.Looking at her in the mirror
lamppost outside our school gate. He was ,she felt ashamed of what she has done and
smoking, puffing out clouds of smoke from for shattering her father's dream.The only
his mouth.I moved myb pen closer to my solution to her problem ,then was
mouth as though i was about to smoke and I suicide...”
I was unaware of what I was doing,when
suddenly a hand touched my shoulder. When my teacher concluded I saw tears
Turning back,frightened I saw my class swelling up his eyes.Putting his arms
teacher looking down at me smiling. I around my shoulder he said, 'Son,these
stood,wondering if he was going to give me worldly materials may seem top be
a good blast but no,he didn't .He asked me fun,exciting,thrilling and even stress
to come to the playgrond with him. relieving,but it only lasts for a few
while,but the result of getting involved in
"Son I would like to tell you a story! a true it,gets embadded in your heart,life
story of a muslim child" he said,"....a long,killing you,ripping your soul
motherless child grew up with her father apart.Dont ever do that mistake .Stay firm
who brought her up according to the have self control,have faith in Allah and he
islamic Aqeedah.The girl started wearing would guide you.”
Abaya from her teens.she recited and
prayed daily at perfect times.She grew up He meant what he said.It wasn't only words
as a well mannered and good natured girl.It but experience. And this girl was my
was time for her to go to college,the time daughter and Im the father who could do
when Allah wanted to test her faith.She nothing but advise”
was fine ,but as time passed she started
delaying her prayers and recited the Quran I looked at him,stunned and rooted to the
once in a bloom,she started bugging her spot.
dad for a phone,then an i-pod to which he
reluctantly disagreed,but he was forced to "But sir ...."I choked out.
get her one. Peer media and financial
pressure started changing her,disguising He walked away with silence.This was an
his daughter coming home late,everyday advise of a teacher to his student,but not
and on weekends,she would just lock just advice words which inspired me.
herself up in her room or wander off with
her friends.He wondered what was Have Fiirm Faith In Allah And He Would
happening to her.when one day, while Guide You.
rummanging through her cupboard
drawers,she he found needles. He didn't
know why she was having them.he sensed
a truth which he wished wasn't true.Days
passed swiftly like a breeze but no change
in their life styles.As a father he could do
nothing but advice her.when one day she
fell ill,terribly ill.Red patches started
appearing all over her face and body.she
knew what those patches meant.She had
misused her needles accidently and

16 The Muslim Child

 ‫ﺃﺩﺏ‬
As I look across the classroom I see an array
of eager eyes looking and listening on as I
“ADAB”
Umaara Wazeer
Australia

vital that parents are aware of their actions

and maintain their Adab to the highest
talk about the day's lesson. The children, standard. Children will follow the examples
aged between eight and ten years old are all of parents' weather good or bad. Al Walid ib
blessed (Alhamdulilah) to be born into a Numayr said that he heard his father say:
Muslim family. Although they were “Righteousness is (a gift) from Allah, but
brought up to believe in Allah, the prophets Adab (manners) is from the parents" If
and the fundament’s of Islam I notice that parents impart lessons of manners onto
there is a striking difference between each their children without themselves practi-
child. Even though the children are taught cing it, the behavior will eventually dis-
the same thing by their parents the appear out of the Child’s life as they grow
greatest influence a child can have in older. For example, parents may continually
becoming the best Muslim is the level of remind and teach their children that they
Adab which is instilled upon them. Meeting have to respect their elders however if the
the parents of these children constantly I parents themselves do not practice what
see that the children with the highest level they are teaching their children, then the
of manners and respect towards their child will eventually change their behavior
teacher and fellow students are those to mimic that of their parents.
whose parents who have sound Adab.
Its not only parents that influence a
The word Adab (manners) encompasses all person's behavior. Students can acquire it
good things a Muslim must do, whether from their teachers and the young from the
compulsory or not. It includes everything elders. We may have much knowledge but
that is virtuous; every noble characteristic, lack Adab; but it is Adab that holds the
habit or trait. The most perfect example of greater value and importance. In today's
one that has exceptional Adab is our society, where parents, teachers and elders
beloved prophet, Muhammad (saw). He are no longer given their correct honors,
guided us to all that is good and warned us respects or rights; basic manners have
about all that is evil, and his guidance is made a swift exit, whilst we compete for
applicable as well as binding upon mankind glory, knowledge or worldly gain.
until the end of this world. Allah tells us in
the Quran that in his manners and style, the There are various kinds of manners and so
prophet (saw) was a perfect example: the Islamic ruling changes according to the
"Truly, you have the best of manners”(68:4) type of manner. A specific Adab could be
Haram (Forbidden), Fard (Compulsory),
Traditionally, Adab was not taught but Mustahab (Recommended: one is rewarded
acquired and embodied in interactions for doing it but not punished for not doing
between people. It has been narrated that it), Makruh (disliked: one is rewarded for
Imam Ahmed would have had up to 5000 not doing it but not punished for doing it) or
attendants at his gatherings, a small Mubah (whether one does it or not, he is
minority would write and learn; the rest neither punished nor rewarded).
would simply learn from his actions i.e. his Throughout the next few editions of The
Adab. This has such importance in that we Muslim Child, the manners of various
learn by what we see, whether good or bad. actions will be discussed in order for us to
Through observation humans have the learn, put into practice and become great
ability to pick up habits and traits of others, examples for our children.
particularly young children. Therefore it is

The Muslim Child 17

 The Joy of
EID day
late at night for last minute shoppers. On
the eve before Eid, women and children get
together to decorate their hands with
henna, (in the south Asian subcontinent
this evening is also known as 'chand raat'.
chand means moon and raat means night.
the evening when Eid is confirmed for the
following day, with the sighting of the
crescent moon indicating the start of
festivities). Staying up late preparing food
for the next day, the whole house is a hub of

T he following acts are prescribed as activity and excitement.

Sunnah at the beginning of the day
of Eid ul-Fitr before proceeding to The 'Eid prayer is important for Muslims as
the Eid prayer: it has the merits of the daily prayers and the
weekly gathering (Jumu'ah). On the day of
Muslims should put on their best available Eid, fasting is forbidden since this day
clothes. Ibn Al-Qayyim said: "The Prophet, marks the end of the month-long fast. Eid is
(sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), used to wear a family and social event, after the Eid
his best clothes for the Eid prayers and he prayers people visit each other, exchange
(sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) had clothes gifts, spend time socializing with extended
that he reserved for the two Eids and family and community, visiting the sick and
Jumu'ah." (Muslim) offering prayers for the deceased.

Muslims should eat before going to Eid Children sometimes receive gifts, candy, or
prayer. This is Sunnah and will also help tomoney. But we should also remember that
circumvent the assumption that one must Eid is not about such gifts, it is really a time
to remember Allah and to feel the joy that
continue to fast until the Eid prayer is over.
Anas (radiyallaahu `anhu) narrated comes to us once we meet obligations
toward Him. If you participate in the
"Allah's Messenger would not leave (his fasting, the celebration becomes even more
house) on the day of Fitr until he ate some meaningful!
dates." (Al-Bukhari)
It is Sunnah to take different routes to and
Buraydah Bin al-Haseeb (radiyallaahu from the Eid prayer. It was narrated by
`anhu) narrated: "The Prophet would not Jaber: "On the days of Eid, the Prophet
leave (his house) on the day of Fir until he (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), would go to
ate. On the day of Nahr (slaughtering) he the prayer area by one route and come back
would not eat until he returned - so that he by another route." (Al-Bukhari) It is Sunnah
would eat from his sacrifice." (At- to pray in the open (known as the
Tirmidhee) musallaa). Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree
(radiyallaahu `anhu) said: "The Prophet
'Eid, which means festivity in Arabic, is used to go on the day of Fitr and the day of
celebrated after the sighting of the new Adha to the musallaa; and the first thing he
crescent on the previous evening. Since Eid did when he reached there was perform the
is celebrated with gift-giving, the highly prayer." (Al-Bukhari). The Eid prayer is
decorated shops and markets are open till waajib for every male Muslim. The Prophet

18 The Muslim Child

(sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) performed it Messenger, Abu Bakr, `Umar, and `Uthman
consistently and commanded all the people all of them would pray before the khutbah
to go out for it. He even specifically (Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad)
commanded all of the women to attend. sh- Attending the khutbah is not obligatory, as
Shawkaanee (radiyallaahu `anhu) said: is the case for attending the prayer.
"Note that the Prophet consistently `Abdullaah Bin as-Saa'ib reported that he
performed this prayer on every Eid, never attended the Eid with the Prophet
neglecting it. He commanded the people to (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) and when he
go out for it; he even commanded the free finished the prayer, he said: "We shall have
women, the virgins, and the menstruating a khutbah; so let whoever wishes to sit for
women to go out, instructing the latter to the khutbah do so, and whoever wishes to
refrain from praying, in order for all of them leave leave" (Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa`ee,
to witness this good and the Muslims' Ibn Maajah)
supplications. He further commanded the
woman who did not own a jilbaab (outer For those who fasted during the month of
overall garment for women) to borrow her Ramadhan, there is a sense of triumph and
friend's (al-Bukhari) Abu Hurairah narrated accomplishment. The manifestation of the
that one time Eid fell on a Friday. The two attributes of God are palpable: Ya
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alaihi wa Qabid (The Restrictor) Ya Basit (The
sallam) said: "Two Eids have come together Expander). The month of restraint and
on this day of yours; so whoever wishes, he spiritual growth followed by this day of
is excused from the Jumu`ah (Friday) extravagance, festivities and celebrations.
prayer. But as for us, we shall gather for the Internal reverie followed by external
Jumu`ah." (Abu Dawood and Ibn Maajah). spread. Revived and rejuvenated by the
The Eid prayer can be performed any time intimacy of Ramadhan fasters celebrate the
between sunrise and noon. Abu Bakr blessings with others. The macrocosm of
(radiyallaahu `anhu) said: "The time of the life manifested in the microcosm of a
two Eid prayers is after the sun has reached month.. self-discipline and commitment to
the height of a spear, and until noon. Allah is rewarded... as it will be in the
However, it is best to pray al-Adh at the Hereafter. Focus redirected. Ups and
earliest time, to enable the people to downs, highs and lows... and with every
slaughter their sacrifices; and is hardship follows ease!
recommended to delay al-Fitr prayer, to
enable the people to give out their Sadaqah EID MUBARAK!
(zakat ul-Fitr)." (Muslim) The Eid prayer is
not preceded with Adhaan or
Iqaamah. Ibn `Abbaas and Jaabir
said: "Adhaan was never given (for
the Eid prayer) on the day of Fitr,
nor the day of

Adha." (Al-Bukhari) The Eid prayer

consists of two Rak`aat. `Umar
reported: "The travelers' prayer is
two Rak`aat; the Adha prayer is
two Rak`aat; the Fitr prayer is two
Rak`aat; and the Jumu`ah prayer is
two Rak`aat; this is their full length
as came upon the tongue of
Muhammad." (Ahmad) The sunnah
for the khutbah (speech) is to follow
the Eid prayer. Ibn `Abbaas said: "I
attended the Eid with Allah's

The Muslim Child 19